Veterinary Surgery (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 Excerpt: ...Restraint: --Choice between the standing and recumbent positions must be decided by the probable complacency of the patient and the skill of the operator. For the standing position the horse is backed into a single stall and confined to the pillars with the dental halter. The head must be brought downward within easy reach. If the operation is resisted by forcible movements of the jaw a mouth speculum may be applied. The mouth speculum should, however, be avoided if possible, as it will interfere with the free use of the instruments. For the recumbent position the patient is placed in a dorso-lateral attitude with the mouth speculum adjusted and the head inclining upward. Anaesthesia is not advisable, owing to the greater danger of blood flowing into the trachea. Modus operandi: --The first requirement is to loosen the tooth. It is safe to assert that the tooth that cannot be loosened cannot be lifted from its cavity without fracture, or injury to the teeth upon which the fulcrum is placed. The loosening process is accomplished by wedging the molar separator into the inderdentia, first on one side, then on the other until it can be easily closed in the spaces. Torsion is then applied with the extracting forceps until the tooth is felt to be well loosened. Undue haste or the application of great force must be avoided and care must be taken to prevent fracture in a sudden movement of the head. The extractor is now adjusted firmly to the crown and the fulcrum block placed as near its head as possible. Gradual, firm outward traction will readily bring the tooth from its implantation. When the tooth is divided into two or more fragile segments the manipulation must be carefully executed to prevent fracture. Accidents: --The extraction of molars is not entirely with